COMMUNITY WAITS AS PROBLEMS GROW
An explosion in alcohol and drug addiction across the state of Queensland, in particular in booming metropolitan areas has prompted calls for urgent government attention.
John Close, CEO of Brisbane based recovery centre Goori House, says there are problems facing the Queensland community.
“These are a range of alcohol and drug issues across the majority of metropolitan areas of Queensland. ”
“Areas such as, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton, all the way to the upper class inner city suburbs of Brisbane out to the Gold and Sunshine coasts and Brisbane’s outer regions such as Logan and Ipswich. We are facing a wide spread problem, an almost unnoticed or unspoken epidemic that is eating away at the heart and soul of our state.”
Mr. Close says that all levels of Government need to fund and support the implementation strategies which have a specific focus, in order to be effective.
“What we are dealing with here does not have a one size fits all, quick fix solution. There is a particular degree of difficulty in tackling these issues head on, and this is why we see government officials at all levels shying away from the real issues at hand.”
Mr. Close says a program specifically designed for female recovery is a prime example of targeted strategy which seeks to provide real and effective resolution to substance abuse issues amongst women.
“The increase in alcohol and substance abuse amongst women of all ages is a real concern. We no longer have you typical homeless drunk roaming the streets or a young female from the wrong side of the tracks with a chemical addiction, what are seeing are suburban mothers, intoxicated picking their children up from school or young professional women visiting their inner city drug dealer on their lunch break. ”
Mr Close says that a unique approach for females is a necessity as the issues affecting their addiction can differ so dramatically from that of males”
“In the past decade we have witnessed an explosion in the number of females who are suffering drug and alcohol addiction problems. From young women who spend their weekends binge drinking to mothers with small children at home, to workers and executives. The problem, of the mis-use of alcohol and drugs is now just as rife amongst females as it with males”
Mr. Close says that governments have, in the past focused on the male and the community as a whole forgets that the woman next door could have a seriously deep held secret.
“These days females are very much their own person. They face, in most cases, as many challenges on a daily basis as males and then some. If, for example, a female is working mother she has the added pressures of work stress and family issues. Females who need assistance can become more destructive to the family unit than that a male alcoholic or drug user.”
Mr. Close says it is not surprising that there has been a sharp rise in the number of females who are turning to drug and alcohol usage.
“We expect females to be a worker, a companion, a mother and the shoulder to cry on. Perhaps we forget their needs and it is easy for them to turn to alternatives.”
Mr. Close is calling on the local, state and federal Government’s to honor several past commitment’s to the people of Queensland, especially helping those who need to be trained and adequately prepared for working the front line of this growing problem.
Mr. Close says the issue of alcohol and drug abuse and dependence is wide spread – requiring an effective intervention approach and essential training.
“We will continue to liaise with the community to ensure outcomes and solutions that provide a win win for everyone.
-ENDS-
For further information
Contact:
Mr John Close
Director
0438 217 646
